Chief Engineer, Space Payloads - Lead EO Sensor Systems

Rocket Lab USA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Chief Principal Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation space-based electro-optical sensor systems. You will serve as the technical authority across payload, ground systems, and mission operations, guiding a multi-disciplinary team from requirements through test and sustainment to ensure mission success.

Ideal candidates have 12+ years in aerospace or defense, active security clearances, and a proven track

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 12+ years of experience.
• Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Proven ability to deliver complex aerospace or defense systems on cost, on schedule, and to performance requirements.
• Prior experience as a chief engineer or technical authority on a program of record or major defense contract.
• Experience leading large-scale proposals, including technical volumes and customer-facing reviews.
• Strong record of interfacing with senior government customers and building trusted technical relationships.
• Ability to motivate and guide teams without direct line authority, achieving alignment across diverse organizations and subcontractors.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and comfort in classified environments 25%+ of the time.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical baseline for programs as the technical authority across systems engineering, hardware, software, and test.
• Lead reviews: chair gate reviews from SRR through TRR, assessing design maturity and risk.
• Shape system architecture spanning payload, ground systems, and mission operations.
• Guide execution to meet cost, schedule, and technical objectives, including subcontractor oversight.
• Champion MBSE and Digital Engineering standards and processes.
• Manage the program Risk Register and proactively mitigate risks while capturing opportunities.
• Engage with customer technical teams, subcontractors, and leadership as the primary technical interface.
• Contribute to proposals, technical volumes, and reviews.

Skills

Technical leadership

Clearance

Customer interface

Team motivation

Travel readiness

Classified environment experience

Proactive risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline

Master's degree or PhD (nice to have)

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Chief Principal Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation space-based electro-optical sensor systems. You will serve as the technical authority across payload, ground systems, and mission operations, guiding a multi-disciplinary team from requirements through test and sustainment to ensure mission success.

Ideal candidates have 12+ years in aerospace or defense, active security clearances, and a proven track